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Science Vs

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Science Vs
Presentation
Hosted byWendy Zukerman
GenreScience
FormatSingle Topic, Scientist Interviews
Created byWendy Zukerman
Narrated byWendy Zukerman
LanguageEnglish
UpdatesPeriodic
Length30–50 minutes
Production
DirectionBlythe Terrell
ProductionNick DelRose, Peter Leonard, Rose Rimler, Emma Munger, Meryl Horn, Michelle Dang, Taylor White
Composed byBumi Hidaka, Peter Leonard, Marcus Bagala, Emma Munger, Bobby Lord
No. of seasons10
No. of episodes271 Edit this on Wikidata
Publication
Original release2015
Ratings4.4/5 Edit this on Wikidata
ProviderSpotify
Related
Websitegimletmedia.com/shows/science-vs/

Science Vs is a science podcast created and hosted by Wendy Zukerman[1]. The show takes a myth-busting approach to controversial topics and current events, with fact checking and research of the scientific literature, as well as interviewing relevant experts. A typical show will have over a hundred citations and involve background interviews of dozens of scientists in addition to the scientists who speak on the show.[2][3][4][5]

History

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The show was first produced and distributed in 2015 by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) as part of ABC Radio's First Run podcast program.[6][7] Science Vs was picked up by Gimlet Media, a Brooklyn-based digital media company.[8][9] Originally, Zukerman had to do all the research herself, but under Gimlet she was able to hire a dedicated research team. Episode topics have included immigration, gun control, ghosts, climate change, acne, and antidepressants, among others.[7][10][11] Zukerman has said that the idea for Science Vs came from news headlines about Gwyneth Paltrow wanting women to participate in a "health practice" of vaginal steaming, which she thought could combine science with humor.[12] Zukerman summarized her podcast's position against false equivalences, saying, "If there's a 95 percent consensus among scientists, you report the consensus."[10]

In 2019 the show, along with other Gimlet Podcasts, was acquired by Spotify.[13]

In February 2022 Zukerman announced that in response to COVID-19 misinformation spread by The Joe Rogan Experience, another Spotify podcast, Science Vs would suspend regular programming and air only shows that fact-check other Spotify podcasts. Zukerman called the platform's support of Rogan's COVID-19 misinformation "a slap in the face" in an email to Spotify CEO Daniel Ek.[14][15] The February 25, 2022 episode of the podcast was devoted to refuting claims about the COVID-19 vaccine made on an episode of Rogan's podcast by virologist Robert Malone.[16]

Reception

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The show was a 2020 nominee for a Podcast Award,[17] and the host Wendy Zukerman is a nominee for a 2021 Podcast Academy "Ambie" Best Host Award.[18]

It was Spotify's #1 Science podcast in the US and #20 overall.[19]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "'Science Vs' and the art of using humor to bust myths". Poynter. Retrieved 2022-01-29.
  2. ^ "Science Vs". Gimlet Media. Retrieved May 11, 2021.
  3. ^ Rios, Orlando (2017-05-02). "Podcaster Profile: Wendy Zukerman of Science Vs - Podcasting Pro". Podcasting Pro. Retrieved 2018-04-12.
  4. ^ "15 of the best science podcasts that will make you smarter". Business Insider. Retrieved 2018-04-14.
  5. ^ Racioppi, Frank (May 23, 2019). "Q&A with Wendy Zukerman from Science Vs". Retrieved May 16, 2021.
  6. ^ "ABC to lose popular Science Vs podcast as format and presenter snapped up by US outfit - Mumbrella". Mumbrella. 2015-10-26. Retrieved 2018-04-12.
  7. ^ a b "Podcast pick of the week: 'Science Vs'". USA TODAY. 20 September 2016. Retrieved 14 April 2018.
  8. ^ "Wendy Zukerman, Science Vs Interview". The Weekend Edition, What's on in Brisbane. Retrieved 2018-04-12.
  9. ^ "Wendy Zukerman Goes Head to Head With Fracking, Gun Control, and...the G-Spot". ELLE. 2016-07-29. Retrieved 2018-04-12.
  10. ^ a b Pesca, Mike (2017-03-20). "Cold, Hard Facts With Wendy Zukerman". Slate. ISSN 1091-2339. Retrieved 2018-04-14.
  11. ^ Eckwahl, Matthew (29 December 2017). "Opinion: 11 Best Science Podcasts". The Scientist. Retrieved 15 July 2018.
  12. ^ "Working with Sound: Wendy Zukerman". The Wheeler Centre. Audiocraft. 2017-04-03. Retrieved 2018-04-14.
  13. ^ "Spotify Announces Strategic Acquisitions to Accelerate Growth in Podcasting". Spotify Investors. Retrieved 7 February 2022.
  14. ^ Kieran, Gair. "Spotify's support for Joe Rogan a 'slap in the face', say Science Vs podcasters". The Times. Retrieved 2 February 2022.
  15. ^ Chmielewski, Dawn. "Science podcaster calls Spotify's support of Joe Rogan a 'slap in the face'". Reuters. Retrieved 1 February 2022.
  16. ^ "Joe Rogan: The Malone Interview". Spotify.com. Spotify. Retrieved 7 February 2022.
  17. ^ "Podcast Award". Podcast Award.
  18. ^ Spangler, Todd (March 4, 2021). "Podcast Academy Unveils 164 Nominees for Inaugural Ambies Awards (Full List)". Variety. Retrieved May 11, 2021.
  19. ^ "Science Vs". Chartable. Retrieved May 11, 2021.
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